USCGAUX WHAT'S NEW

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• Auxiliary Office of Strategic Analysis website
  The Coast Guard Auxiliary Office of Strategic Analysis was officially stood up in August 2009. It serves as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s in-house focus for long-range strategic analysis. The office not only partners with the active duty Coast Guard Office of Strategic Analysis for Evergreen and other long-range program analysis, but also develops Auxiliary-specific strategic planning projects and publishes strategic studies such as how changing generational attitudes will affect an all-volunteer organization in the 21st Century. The Office of Strategic Analysis web site, with information developed by the office, is now available here: http://naco.cgaux.org/anaco_sa/
  [Posted: Feb 8, 2010. Source: L. Merryman, ANACO-SA-d]
• AUXILIARY OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
  Family Programs Branch (Ombudsman) Ombudsman Program-“The Coast Guard Needs Your Support!” “What is an Ombudsman?” An Ombudsman is a volunteer (who may be a spouse, reservist, or Auxiliarist) that is designated by a Command to serve as a link between the command and families. They assist the command in its functions of providing information and related services to families regarding sources of assistance available to them, Coast Guard and command policies, and activities of interest to family members. They take confidential concerns of the families to the command. The Ombudsman is also available to help parents and other relatives of crew members. The Ombudsman is familiar with the local community and its resources. “Why is this important?” Many Coast Guard units and their personnel have been called upon to perform many new tasks in regards to homeland security, in addition to their basic responsibilities. Because of this, Coast Guard personnel are away from home and their families more often. The Coast Guard would like to have an Ombudsman available at as many commands as possible, to provide support and assistance to families. “What type of person is an Ombudsman?” An Ombudsman needs to be able to distinguish between issues suitable for public discussion and those requiring confidentiality. They must have good interpersonal and organization skills. They must have a positive attitude about life in general and about the Coast Guard in particular. They must understand and support command policies, be familiar with Coast Guard missions, organization and traditions. They must be a good listener and above all, be considered trustworthy. “What are some of the responsibilities of an Ombudsman?” • Through meetings, mailings and articles in publications inform family members on the command’s behalf. • Meet with the command regularly to articulate family concerns. • Refer families to appropriate sources of assistance in resolving family related questions. The Ombudsman’s role is not to solve other people’s problems but to link them to resources that will provide the needed assistance • Maintain local resource files. • Immediately report suspected or substantiated cases of family violence. The Ombudsman shall not offer counsel or investigate further. • The Ombudsman must be a reliable source of information and trustworthy source of help in an emergency. “What type of training is available?” There are variety of opportunities for the Ombudsman to receive training in the skills needed for the position, including the following: • Regional – Ombudsman training is offered on the regional level by Coast Guard Headquarters. • District Work-Life Staffs – Districts may offer Ombudsman training as needed. • US Navy Basic Ombudsman Course – Regionally the Navy also offers training for Ombudsmen in all major Navy Family Service Centers. • US Navy Relief Ombudsman Course – This course is offered by the Navy Wife line Association in Washington D.C., “What other information is available?” COMDTINST 1750.4D Ombudsman “How do I become an Ombudsman? If you are interested in becoming an Ombudsman with a Coast Guard unit in your area, please contact that unit’s Officer in Charge. Currently the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is working with the U.S. Coast Guard Work-Life to link up interested Auxiliarist's and local Coast Guard commands who need an Ombudsman. The member will be vetted through their DCO prior to CG interview. Please be aware that the local Commanding Officer/Officer-in-Charge has the final authority on appointing an Ombudsman. You can obtain an application form from A. Rick Aimetti, DIR-Hd at AFTA@optonline.net. The completed form should be mailed to: A. Rick Aimetti, DIR-Hd One Universe Way, Mt Sinai, NY 11766. (Attach a resume of your civilian/military career as well as your Auxiliary background).
  [Posted: Feb 7, 2010. Source: Dante J.Laurino ANACO-RS]
• E-FORMS
  The new 7029 and 7030 E-Forms have been pulled because they were posted to send .pdf forms and there are so many versions of Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat out there among the Auxiliary but not all versions of Reader and Acrobat will send/open the forms. Some readers were sending blank forms. Until the problem is resolved, the E-Forms will not be available. We will do everything possible to get them back as soon as the problem is resolved. Please be patient with us. Thank you. Marilyn
  [Posted: Feb 7, 2010. Source: Marilyn McBain, DVC-IL]
• About Boating Safely - Second Edition Update
  A new PowerPoint presentation for Chapter Three (“Navigating the Waterways”) of About Boating Safely-Second Edition has been posted to the E- Library Resource Center. The changes reflect updates to the graphics for the night signals. The changes made are to slides: 12-13, and 15 – 17. Click here to download the new Chapter Three.
  [Posted: Feb 7, 2010. Source: Anne R. Lockwood, DIR-E]
• E-Learning Downtime
  The E-Learning website is currently down, and we do not have an estimate of when it will be back up. We apologize for any inconvenience for those who were taking courses, and we are attempting to find a solution to this problem. The NTC (testing site) is not affected by this outage. You may continue to take tests at htpp://ntc.cgaux.org
  [Posted: Feb 6, 2010. Source: Matt Hammons - Training - DVC - Distance Learning]
• New RBS Affairs Department Deputy Director
  It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. Atul Uchil as the Deputy Director for RBS Affairs. Please join me and congratulate him on the appointment.
  [Posted: Feb 2, 2010. Source: Bruce Johnson, DIR-B]
• NAME CHANGE- HUMAN RESOURCES/ PROGRAM UPDATES
  TO ALL DSO-HR, The Department of Personnel has changed it's name to the Department of Human Resources effective today. This will best describe the new evolving department, and mirror our Coast Guard counterparts. New program area's like the Ombudsman program, and the Collage detachment program are moving from development to exciting new way's to recruit new younger member's, and to assist the active duty, when they need it the most. The Department of Human Resources has again been tasked with the AIM program. We look forward to bringing the AIM program back into our department, and will be expanding to meet the needs of the candidates. Please spread the word through your Districts, and down to the deckplate, the membership. Anyone who would like to help, or needs more information, please contact Joseph O'Leary , Director of Human Resources. josephgoleary@optonline.net
  [Posted: Feb 1, 2010. Source: Dante J.Laurino ANACO-RS]
• SITREP back up after maintenance
  The Auxiliary's National e-magazine SITREP was temporarily down for maintenance. We are pleased to announce it has resumed covering the activities of Auxiliarists and their units. Send articles and photos for publishing consideration to melborofsky@comcast.net. Thank you for your continued support and input.
  [Posted: Jan 31, 2010. Source: Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP]
• Nw BS&S Errata Sheet
  A new Errata Sheet for Boating Skills & Seamanship (BS&S) is now available on the E-Library Resource Center. Two changes are posted. One is to Chapter 1 and the other to Chapter 4. Please add these corrections to your BS&S presentations.
  [Posted: Jan 25, 2010. Source: Anne R. Lockwood, DIR-E]
• The 2010 VSC Decals Are Available
  The 2010 VSC decals have been shipped to the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC). The overall supply should be more than adequate to meet our demands and the demands of our partners.
  
  Instructions are at http://safetyseal.net/pdf_files/2010-Decal-Announcement.pdf
  
  The Order Form is at http://safetyseal.net/pdf_files/VSCDECALFM-2010.pdf
  
  [Posted: Jan 25, 2010. Source: Peter Urgola, DIR-RBV]
• 2010 National Scout Jamboree
  
  1. Rear Admiral Brian Salerno (CG-5, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship) is the Coast Guard Flag Sponsor for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Captain Len Ritter (TISCOM, Telecommunications and Information System Command) has been selected as the Task Force Commander and will lead the Coast Guard contingent at the Jamboree. Coast Guard active duty, reserve, Auxiliary, civilian, and retired personnel are authorized to participate in the Coast Guard support element for this event, as detailed below:
     1. Who: Team Coast Guard members (active duty, Reserve, Auxiliary, civilian, retiree)
     2. What: 2010 National Scout Jamboree
     3. Where: Fort A. P. Hill, VA
     4. When: From 26 July to 4 August 2010
     5. How: By standing up the Coast Guard 2010 National Scout Jamboree Task Force
  2. Auxiliarists who are interested in being part of the Coast Guard 2010 National Scout Jamboree Task Force must fill out and electronically submit the questionnaire to the Auxiliary coordinator, Mr. William "Bill" Reisa at cgnsjtf@msn.com (phone (317) 887-3236) with copies to the Flotilla Commander and designated point-of-contact in the office of the Director of Auxiliary.
  3. Key Logistics Element Managers positions that need to be filled immediately:
     1. Administration
     2. Merit Badges
     3. Sea Scouts
     4. Joint Sea Services Areas
     5. External Coast Guard Forces
  4. Task Leaders are also needed for the following tasks:
     1. NORTHCOM Liaison
     2. Transportation Manager
     3. Communications Officer
     4. Berthing/Meals Coordinator
     5. Head Merit Badge Counselors
     6. Sea Scout Liaison
     7. Display Coordinator
     8. Honor Guard Coordinator
     9. Recruiting Exhibit Coordinator
     10. CG Band Coordinator
     11. Joint Services Liaison
  5. Permissive/non-reimbursable orders are authorized, and an ALCOAST with further details will follow. Please contact Mr. Reisa if you have questions about the program.
  
  [Posted: Jan 24, 2010. Source: Robin Ouellette, BC-BLY]
• RBS Device Award Criteria Revised
  Changes have been made to the public affairs activity codes that count toward earning the Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) insignia. The RBS insignia recognizes extraordinary effort of Auxiliarists who consistently provide strong support to RBS programs. Its eligibility criteria require significant RBS program activity over a minimum period of two years. The newly revised award criteria are available online here.
  [Posted: Jan 24, 2010. Source: Bruce Johnson, DIR-PRR]
• USCG Aux Interpreters on Haiti Stand Down
  We have just received word from the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command (LANTAREA) for USCG Auxiliary Interpreters to "stand down" in regards to Haiti. The Department of Defense (DoD) has over 100 Creole speaking Translators. This means that USCG Auxiliary Interpreters will only be engaged when needed.

  Our big THANKS to those Interpreters who volunteered and took advance preparations to ready themselves for deployment to Haiti or elsewhere in support of the Haitian mission.

  NOTE: We have learned that some USCG Interpreters and other members of the USCG Auxiliary plan to go in support of non-government organizations (NGO's) at their own expense. This is very commendable.

  Members may acknowledge and/or list membership in the Auxiliary when applying either to the NGO or for deployment with the NGO, but to stress that they are there working for the NGO and not the Coast Guard.

  If members of the USCG Auxiliary go as either civilian volunteers or under the auspices of an NGO, they cannot identify themselves as member of the USCG Auxiliary as ACTING IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY or ASSIGNED TO DUTY as a member of the Coast Guard (also known as on-orders). As such, they are not authorized to wear any part of the USCG Auxiliary uniform. They will also NOT be able to file for reimbursement of travel expenses since they will be under the NGO's umbrella.

  We, the USCG Auxiliary Interpreter Corps are not engaging Interpreters for NGO's. We can only support missions that are authorized by the Coast Guard and only under Coast Guard orders.

  We are making every effort to update those Interpreters that are on our list of qualified volunteers frequently, as the situation might change.

  DIR-IAI Klaus G.E. Baumann sends
  [Posted: Jan 23, 2010. Source: W Spivak, Chief Communications - Intern'l Affairs]

• 7029 Video and Explanation
  Darren Lewis created this video and explanation about the new 7029; it is very useful and should be viewed. See it at 7029 Video and Explanation
  [Posted: Jan 22, 2010. Source: Roy Savoca DIR-I]
• USCG Aux Interpreters on Haiti
  CANCELED 23 Jan 2010
  [Posted: Jan 21, 2010. Source: W Spivak, Chief Communications - Intern'l Affairs]
• New State Liaison Guide Available.
  A completely revised State Liaison Guide is now available for State Liaison Officers (SLOs) and others who promote recreational boating safety at the state level. The new State Liaison Guide provides easier reference to Auxiliary RBS mission, leadership roles, and suggestions for making the most of the relationship with Boating Law Administrators and other boating safety groups. The Handbook also assists SLOs in working with other District Staff Officers to promote the RBS message. The Guide is online here.
  [Posted: Jan 21, 2010. Source: Pauline Longnecker, DVC-BS]
• USCG SEXUAL HARASSMENT VIDEO AVAILABLE THROUGH ANSC
  The USCG Sexual Harassment Video is available through ANSC, item number 8401. You can order through your Flotilla Commander or FSO-MT. District Staff Officers PS, please notify your DCO, and your District membership.
  [Posted: Jan 20, 2010. Source: Dante J.Laurino ANACO-RS]
• Commandant's ALL HANDS on Coast Guard Activity in Haiti
  -----Original Message----- From: Allen, Thad Admiral Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 4:47 PM Subject: ALL HANDS - Coast Guard Activity in Haiti To the Men and Women of the United States Coast Guard: Exactly one week ago today, a little before 1700 EST, a violent earthquake devastated Port Au Prince, Haiti. Without waiting for tasking, Coast Guard men and women from all over the country made immediate preparations to assist the beleaguered Haitian people. The next morning, Haitians witnessed President Obama's pledge - "You will not be forsaken and you will not be forgotten" - become reality when the cutter FORWARD arrived with the rising sun as the first American asset on-scene. Amidst the devastation, FORWARD delivered damage assessments, critical command and control capabilities, and most importantly - hope. I am incredibly proud of the performance of all our personnel during this challenging period and like you, my heart goes out to the Haitian people who have suffered so greatly. Coast Guard units were the first on-scene in Port Au Prince and have been working around the clock with our interagency partners to provide humanitarian assistance, evacuate U.S. citizens, and help the most seriously wounded. On-scene, the cutters TAHOMA and MOHAWK quickly established a makeshift trauma unit with the Haitian Coast Guard and triaged hundreds of injured people (read the story here: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/01/guardians-report-in-hs1-larry-berman/). TAHOMA's crew even delivered a baby boy from an injured Haitian woman on their flight deck and a second baby at their shoreside clinic. C-130 aircraft performed damage assessment flights and the cutter VALIANT conducted a port assessment of Cap Haitian to create another entryway for supplies that were backing up at the airport. The cutter OAK continues to survey Port Au Prince harbor and repair the primary pier to allow much needed supplies to flow directly into the city. Aircrews from Mobile, AL; Elizabeth City, NC; Sacramento, CA; Barbers Point, HI; Detroit, MI; and Jacksonville and Miami, FL are also assisting with overflights and evacuations. Follow these links to view our Guardians in action (http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/ and www.d7publicaffairs.com/go/site/586/). Supporting our forward operations have been thousands of Guardians working inside and outside of the Coast Guard. The Seventh District Commander has been leading the Homeland Security Task Force South East which is a key coordination point for the federal government's collective response and evacuation efforts. A joint FEMA-Coast Guard team has been deployed to Port Au Prince to support United States response operations being directed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). We are also supporting U.S. Southern Command Joint Task Force Haiti with individual augmentees. Our Area Commanders have worked seamlessly to flow forces rapidly including moving the cutter HAMILTON through the Panama Canal from the West Coast. The Chief of Staff, exercising his mission support responsibilities, has skillfully integrated and deployed logistics elements demonstrating the maturation of our new support model. Here in Washington, our staffs have integrated with key partners including DOD, FEMA and USAID. I have worked with FEMA Director, Craig Fugate, in support of Secretary Napolitano and Deputy Secretary Lute at a number of White House meetings. We continue to surge people and assets because we will have to sustain our response efforts in Haiti. HAMILTON and LEGARE will soon be on-scene pushing our total number of Guardians in theater to over 700. We are also recalling Coast Guard reservists to augment our humanitarian efforts and ensure maritime safety and security for relief supplies arriving in theater. Our immediate and sustained response illustrates the value of the Coast Guard's flexible command structure, ability to operate across the interagency and international spectrums, and the initiative of our people to take action. This is why the Coast Guard is so valuable to the American public and the global maritime community. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Secretary of State Clinton commented "our Coast Guard has been unbelievable." At a press conference last week, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ADM Mike Mullen stated "the Coast Guard was magnificent from day one. First, they were medevacing people literally within the first 24 hours. And I want to give them a great deal of credit for their response capability as well." Those comments are directed at all of you who executing or supporting our operations. Many have questioned how the Coast Guard can do so much so quickly, and I simply reply: "This is what we do". Our Guardians are committed to protecting, defending, and saving without having to be told to do so. Along with all Americans, I am truly inspired by the Coast Guard men and women operating in theater, backfilling for deployed units, or providing the necessary support to make it all possible. As always, our Guardians are here to protect and ready to rescue at a moment's notice. That is who we are and why we serve. I cannot describe it any better than a young petty officer assigned to TAHOMA in this email to his family: "There is an eerie feeling in the air amongst our crew tonight. Those who remained shielded on the cutter today see in the eyes of those who went ashore what a major disaster can do to a nation. I have never seen so many grown men and women with tears in their eyes. Those who did go ashore experienced first-hand the severity of the situation. I've been shielded today only talking over the radio to those who have seen it. Never once was there a question of professionalism in their voice. I remember in boot camp being told that the U.S. Coast Guard on the right side of our chest takes priority over our name. Today the men and women who went ashore wore coveralls without their names on them. All that was visible were the letters USCG. Today was the first day I think I've truly been more thankful to be an American. Not because of our infrastructure or the freedoms given to us, but because as a country we will be there when a country of less fortune is in need. Haiti rarely exports anything to our country. They have no oil or major cash crop we use. But as a county we will stand together and put aside our different opinions of healthcare, war, or economy and help out those in need. Right now we are taking it hour by hour, aftershock by aftershock, every little bit helps. I'm going to try and get some sleep, as I've already put in a solid 16 hours. Tomorrow will be longer." Well said. Thank you and Semper Paratus! Admiral Thad Allen Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard
  [Posted: Jan 19, 2010. Source: John Ellis,DVC-OI]
• Marketing Presentation at N-Train 2010
  The National Marketing Group will be staging its "Effective Exhibits" presentation at N-Train 2010. Attendees can enter their chance to WIN AN INFLATABLE LIFE JACKET. The presentation will occur at 1100 on Sunday morning, 31 January, in Concourse C/D. The 45-minute presentation will begin earlier if scheduling permits. All N-Train attendees are encouraged to join other fellow DSO’s in viewing this presentation developed for delivery at district training conferences. It effectively uses statistics to illustrate why change in how we exhibit is necessary then provides the tools for an effective exhibit. The drawing for the inflatable life jacket will occur at the end of the presentation and you must be present to win.
  [Posted: Jan 19, 2010. Source: John P. Whelan, Director - National Marketing Gp.]
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Support of Haitian Operations News
  To keep up on what the Coast Guard Auxiliary is doing in support of Haitian recovery operations, see: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Service Articles
  [Posted: Jan 18, 2010. Source: Tom Nunes, DIR-Ad]
• ALAUX: EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI - AUXILIARY RESPONSE PERSPECTIVE -003/10
  Aux. Klaus Baumann, Director of the Interpreter Corps was mentioned in the recent ALAUX issued by the Chief Director's Office. See: ALAUX Message
  [Posted: Jan 17, 2010. Source: W Spivak, Chief Communications - Intern'l Affairs]
• Haiti in crisis
  Auxiliarists in Miami are aiding in the Haitian recovery and rescue efforts without leaving the U.S. Their skills and efforts are reported, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
  [Posted: Jan 16, 2010. Source: Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP]
• HAITI - COAST GUARD FOUNDATION SEEKING DONATIONS
  The Coast Guard Foundation is accepting donations to their Disaster Relief Fund to benefit the Coast Guard personnel and their families who are stationed in Haiti. Donated funds will ¬only be used for Coast Guard personnel and will not benefit overall Haitian relief efforts. The Foundation is working with the Coast Guard to assess the needs of the personnel stationed in Haiti and the units participating in the relief efforts and will update their website as more information is available. To support the Foundations efforts go to their website: www.coastguardfoundation.org Under “Area of Support”, choose “Disaster Relief Fund” and then in “specify other area of support” make sure you reference CG Haitian Relief
  [Posted: Jan 15, 2010. Source: Chester Lowe, Director of Development CGAuxA, Inc]
• BoatU.S. Foundation shifts from toll-free number to online site for boating class information.
  The BoatU.S. Courseline phone number (800-336-BOAT) for inquiries about the date and location of nationwide boating classes will be phased out by the end of March 2010. The BoatU.S. Foundation has been collecting and providing this information as a free service to boaters since 1984, and will continue to do so online at http://www.boatus.com/courseline/. By entering either zip code or state and city information at Courseline Online, you can easily locate the nearest locations of safe boating courses. You can also obtain course descriptions and information about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and other groups that offer these courses.
  [Posted: Jan 15, 2010. Source: Bruce White, BC-BLB]
• ONLINE DISTRICT MATERIALS STORE
  The system provider for the Online District Materials Store operated through ShopAuxiliary.com has scheduled maintenance to the online store site on Tueday January 19, 2010 from 10:00 PM to midnight Pacific Time. During that period of time visitors to the site will be able to browse the online store without interruption, but will be unable to place orders until the maintenance is completed. We ask your patience during that period.
  [Posted: Jan 14, 2010. Source: Martin L. Phillips, Executive Director, CGAuxA]
• BoatUS Foundation makes it easier to apply for Boating Safety and Clean Water Grassroots Grants.
  In the last 20 years the BoatU.S. Foundation has awarded more than $1 million from two separate grant programs targeting local grassroots organizations. Now the national nonprofit is making it easier for organizations to apply by combining its former Boating Safety and Clean Water Grants into a new, single Grassroots Grants Program. Local groups, community organizations and nonprofits are eligible for grants for up to $4,000 each. A total of up to $50,000 is available this grant cycle, however, local community groups need to have their applications in by February 28. Grantees will be announced by June 15. Groups interested in applying for one or more Grassroots Grants may go to BoatUS.com/Foundation/Grants to look at previous grant projects and photos, review current guidelines and frequently asked questions, and to apply online. You may also sign up for a free Foundation e-newsletter that will let you be the first to know about any upcoming grant programs and deadlines.
  [Posted: Jan 14, 2010. Source: Bruce White, BC-BLB]
• Part 2- National Safe Boating Council Mailer
  Rachel Burkholder's e-mail address is: outreach@SafeBoatingCouncil
  [Posted: Jan 13, 2010. Source: Harriet Howard, NSBW Liaison]
• National Safe Boating Council Mailer
  The National Safe Boating Council’s North American Safe Boating Campaign is getting ready for the 2010 Campaign and will be sending out a mailer to participants of the campaign to let them know about order information, USCG statistics, National Safe Boating Week information, and other resources that are available for the "Wear It!" campaign. If you would like to receive this mailer, please send Rachel Burkholder, Outreach Manager, National Safe Boating Council a spreadsheet ( in Excel format) with your Name/Title, Organization, Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code no later than Friday, February 12, 2010
  [Posted: Jan 13, 2010. Source: Harriet Howard, NSBW Liaison]
• For Safety's Sake, Volume I - 2010
  The newest edition of For Safety's Sake, Volume I - 2010 has been released. This new issue was released on January 12th and is available for downloading from the V Departments Newsletter page at http://safetyseal.net/Newsletters/.
  
  In this issue is: RBS Awards of Excellence, VSC Tips, Funds Available to Flotillas, Fire Extinguishers, Orion Safety Awareness, Materials Update and more.
  
  Download your copy and pass it on to your associates after you've read it.
  [Posted: Jan 12, 2010. Source: P. Urgola, Director V-Dept]
• Chicago's Christmas Ship Event
  The 9th Coast Guard District public affairs and humanitarian mission conducted this tenth annual event, a cooperative marine community event of substantial complexity. The event was assisted greatly by many local organizations, including the Auxiliary. The combined effort distributed over 1,500 Christmas trees to needy families. Read about this two day effort, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
  [Posted: Jan 10, 2010. Source: Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP]
• New Director-RBS Affairs Appointed
  I am pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Johnson as Director of the RBS Affairs Department effective Jan 11, 2010. Bruce has most recently served as the Deputy Department Director, and replaces John Potts, who served for over five years in the Boating and RBS Affairs Department.
  [Posted: Jan 10, 2010. Source: Mark Simoni, ANACO-PR]
• New Response Department Division Chiefs Appointed
  I’m pleased to announce several changes in the Response Department management team, including the recent appointment of some Division Chiefs.

  COMO Lewis Wargo was appointed as the Chief of the Surface Operations Division. He takes over the office which was vacated by COMO Gary Taylor following his appointment as my Deputy Director. COMO Wargo was a Branch Chief on the National Staff for many years and brings a wealth of experience to the job, including experience as a past District Commodore.

  John Ellis was appointed as Chief of the Incident Management Division. John’s has an extensive background, education and experience in the field of emergency and incident management. He served as a Branch Chief on the National Staff and as an Auxiliary Sector Coordinator for several years.

  John (Jack) Slattery was appointed as Chief of the Telecommunications Division. John brings military experience, and a very broad background in business, management and consulting to the job. A former Branch Chief on the National Staff, he has also served in Telecommunications and other jobs at other levels of the Auxiliary.

  Lew, John and Jack join our other Division Chiefs, Bruce Pugh, DVC-OE, and Wilson Riggan, DVC-OA, as the line managers and subject matter experts of the Response Department. Please join me in congratulating them. Together we will work diligently to ensure that our volunteer members are well-trained, qualified and equipped to support our programs and that they are prepared to contribute to all authorized US Coast Guard activities present and future.
  [Posted: Jan 9, 2010. Source: Robert Shafer, Director - Response Department]